Middle Ages Castles

Middle Ages CastlesThis section detailing information about Middle Ages castles illustrate the strength, magnificence and power of the Medieval warlords. The architecture of the Middle Ages castles moved from the early wooden Motte and Bailey castles hastily built by the Normans during their conquest and invasion of England to their fortification in stone with the addition of the great Norman stone keeps.

The kings, knights and warlords who travelled to the crusades and who embarked on siege warfare in the Holy Land were influenced by the design and architecture of the fortresses in the far East. King Edward I of England used this information and knowledge to design and build the massive concentric castles in England. His policy enabled the conquest of Wales. Siege warfare, the development of medieval weapons demanded that a castle was built considering the possibilities of both attack and defence. The designs of the Middle Ages Castles therefore altered during the Medieval centuries when castle building was at its pinnacle.

Middle Ages Castles

The History, Development and Architecture of Middle Ages CastlesThe history and development of Middle Ages Castles is fascinating. The history, development, architecture and building of these great fortresses changed as time progressed, influenced by important historical events such as the crusades and the technology of siege warfare.

Life in Middle Ages CastlesLife in the castles of the Middle Ages was either hard work or very boring. Read about the daily life of a lord, a knight, the soldiers, the servants and the serfs who lived in the castles of the Middle Ages. How did the life in the Norman castles of the early Middle Ages differ from the massive concentric castles built by King Edward I (1239–1307)?

Middle Ages Castles built by the NormansUntil 1066 there were no castles. William the conqueror (King William I of England) introduced Norman castles to England when he defeated King Harold at the Battle of Hastings in 1066. These Norman castles gave the Normans of 1066 power bases from which they could subjugate the English population. What is a Motte and Bailey Castle? When was the first Motte and Bailey Castle built? The Motte and Bailey Castles were first built in timber and then in Stone. Also read about the connection between the Motte and Bailey Castle and Feudalism.

Middle Ages Concentric Castles built by King Edward IKing Edward I ( Longshanks ) employed the services of the best architect and builder of the Medieval period who was called Master James of St George to build the concentric castles. Concentric castles were heavily defended. Defence features were added to concentric castles design including the Drawbridge, Barbican, Portcullis, Gatehouse, Moat, Crenellations and Murder Holes. Descriptions of the major parts of the Middle Ages castles and what they were used for are also described.

Defending, Destroying and Attacking Middle Ages CastlesThe Middle Ages were a violent time where men fought for land and power. Successfully defending a castle during the Middle Ages depended on whether the castle and its inhabitants could withstand a siege. Understanding Siege warfare was critical during the Middle Ages. The siege engines when attacking a castle in the Middle Ages were the Trebuchet, Ballista, Catapult, Mangonel, Battering Ram and Siege Towers.

Middle Ages CastlesEach section of this Middle Ages website addresses all topics and provides interesting facts and information about these great monuments to bygone times. The Sitemap provides full details of all of the information and facts provided about the fascinating subject of Middle Ages!